2018 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers

Matt Lutovsky

Sleepers are a key component to any fantasy baseball cheat sheet. From veterans who might be undervalued in your rankings to top prospects, we highlight a a potentially overlooked player from each team.

2018 SP rankings

2018 Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide

Howard Bender

From rankings to rookies to sleepers and strategies, Fantasy Alarm has everything you need to get ready for your 2018 fantasy baseball draft. Get the lowdown on FA's 2018 Jim Bowden Fantasy Baseball Living Draft Guide.

Player Updates

Max Scherzer (Was-P)

Nationals manager Dave Martinez announced Monday that Scherzer would start the team's season opener March 29 against the Reds, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

It would have been a major surprise if the Nationals tabbed anybody else for the assignment with Scherzer coming off back-to-back Cy Young Award-winning seasons. Scherzer's strong team context and track record of excellent health and elite ratios make him worthy of being the first pitcher off the board in fantasy drafts. -- Rotowire.com

Nicolas Batum (-F)

Batum will not play in Monday's game against the 76ers, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN repots.

An MRI revealed that Batum was dealing with chronic tendinitis with his left Achilles, and the timetable required for his recovery is unknown at this time. Until the Hornets have more clarity on the time Batum needs for rehab, he'll be considered on a game-by-game basis. -- Rotowire.com

Jason Vargas (-P)

Vargas (hand) is scheduled for surgery Tuesday.

Vargas was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of his hamate bone in his non-pitching hand following a CT scan, and will have surgery to repair the injury Tuesday. He's expected to resume his throwing program just five days after the surgery. Although he'll begin throwing again rather quickly, the Mets have yet to issue a timetable for his return and it seems likely that he'll begin the regular season on the disabled list. -- Rotowire.com

Mike Fiers (Det-P)

Fiers has given up 12 runs on 10 hits and eight walks across 11.1 innings this spring, and has been struggling in part due to back stiffness, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Although Fiers has been shelled so far through four starts, the Tigers are not going to shut him down anytime soon. He came into camp with a back issue, and it's seemingly caused him problems during his spring training appearances. Detroit is planning on having Fiers throw against minor-league hitters for his next start to take some pressure off. -- Rotowire.com